With a keffiyeh and a bloodied hand: Doctor drew backlash after anti-Israel protest at graduation

During the medical school graduation ceremony at the University of California, San Diego, a future pediatrician waved a flag with anti-Israel wording. She also wore a keffiyeh bearing the red hand symbol associated with violence against Jews.

The local community and medical organizations contacted the institution in Minnesota where she is expected to begin her residency. “It raises concerns about her ability to treat Jewish children,” they said. The student responded to the incident: “Proud to be part of the struggle.”

Morgan Chalmers, a medical student at the University of California, San Diego, sparked outrage after waving a Palestinian flag at the degree ceremony. Chalmers, who is set to begin a pediatrics residency at the University of Minnesota, waved a flag bearing the words “Divest from Death” and wore a keffiyeh with a red hand emblem.

The incident triggered sharp protest from the Jewish community and medical organizations, which raised concerns about how the doctor would treat Jews. In a letter sent by the Jewish Medical Association, it was noted that many in the Jewish community view the red hand symbol as one associated with violence and extremist actions against Jews. The organization stressed that “medical staff are expected to treat patients from all backgrounds equally,” and that “a public display of hostile symbols undermines trust in her ability to act with respect and equality toward Jewish families.”

Faculty members who were on stage during the event did not express any objection or protest to the doctor’s action, and some even applauded. One faculty member at the university, who chose not to be identified, addressed the incident and was quoted in the letter: “The use of the stage in this way is offensive and inappropriate. It means that the environment here is no longer one where everyone is accepted equally or able to feel safe. She came on stage with pride and joy, which raises serious concerns about how she will treat Jewish children under her responsibility.”

Chalmers herself addressed the incident on social media, writing that she was proud to join thousands of students calling for an end to the “institutional partnership in Israel’s occupation of Palestine.” In response, Jewish community figures contacted the administration of the medical institution in Minnesota where she is expected to join.

The letter asked those responsible to assess the case and examine questions relating to professionalism, inclusion, and the ability to treat patients from all communities without distinction. “My concern is not based on the student’s political views,” the appeal said. “It is based on conduct that I believe could affect her ability to build trust among members of the Jewish community.”

A review by community members found that Chalmers regularly posts harsh anti-Israel content. Among other things, it was alleged that she participated in a social media post that identified Jewish students at the University of California, San Diego by name alongside video footage of them, and called for identifying them.